VIEUX FORT, SAINT LUCIA – Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Seashore Resort & Spa marked its twentieth anniversary with a particular celebration themed “Honoring the Previous, Celebrating the Current, Constructing the Future.” The occasion, held on the resort on March 20, 2025, introduced collectively distinguished company, dignitaries, companions, and workers to commemorate 20 years of hospitality excellence.
Since opening in 2005, Coconut Bay Seashore Resort & Spa has performed a pivotal function in shaping Saint Lucia’s tourism business, offering distinctive visitor experiences whereas remaining dedicated to neighborhood funding.
Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, mirrored on the resort’s early days. He famous its influence over the previous 20 years. The resort has created many roles within the south of the island. Dr. Anthony acknowledged its contributions to employment and financial progress. It continues to supply luxurious, eco-friendly lodging. The resort additionally celebrates the island’s wealthy cultural heritage.
20-Yr Worker: Morliser Theodore-Mondesir
As a part of the celebration, longtime workers shared their experiences. Mrs. Morliser Theodore-Mondesir, one among 23 workers members being acknowledged for 20 years of service, mirrored on her journey from a member of the road workers as a 22-year-old with no prior hospitality expertise to her present function as Restaurant Supervisor overseeing 9 eating places.
“My first day on the job, I used to be a 22-year-old single mother who desperately wanted a possibility to offer for my household. I borrowed the garments I wore to work that first day, and I haven’t appeared again,” Morliser shared.
She spoke in regards to the skilled progress and profession improvement alternatives Coconut Bay has supplied to its workers, a lot of whom have superior from entry-level positions to management roles as she did.
20-Yr Veteran: Leisure Supervisor, Carlyle Prowell
Fellow 20-year veteran and longest-serving Leisure Supervisor, Carlyle Prowell, highlighted the resort’s dedication to workers coaching and profession development.
He spoke about his early days organizing small occasions and the way resort’s funding in his improvement, permitting him to create large-scale, immersive experiences just like the annual Rum & Rhythms Competition.
Carlyle emphasised how Coconut Bay’s dedication to workers welfare, sharing, “In 20 years, Coconut Bay has contributed to our welfare with over $3 million in scholarships, tuition reimbursements, month-to-month awards, and annual recognition, to not point out well being and wellness initiatives.”
Coconut Bay has frequently advanced, enhancing its amenities and visitor experiences whereas staying true to its “Casually Caribbean, Extremely All-Inclusive” promise.
Resort Supervisor Mr. Roney Francis
In his remarks, Resort Supervisor Mr. Roney Francis highlighted the resort’s “We Try for five” service philosophy which has propelled Coconut Bay to quantity 9 on TripAdvisor’s checklist of Saint Lucia resorts.
Roney additionally detailed the resort’s dedication to early childhood schooling, notably its four-year partnership with ABC Enjoyable Home Studying Centre.
“Final 12 months, we invested $250,000 to revitalize the college, together with a brand new classroom, kitchen, loos, playground in addition to a brand new curriculum. This 12 months, we’re excited to unveil part two of our plans,” he shared.
The resort cares about healthcare. It has made essential donations to St. Jude Hospital, together with a full ER improve. The resort additionally reveals environmental duty via its Turtle SCOUTS conservation program.
Coconut Bay Seashore Resort Dedication to Workers & Visitors
Chairman Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson reaffirmed the resort’s dedication to its workers, company, and the broader Saint Lucian neighborhood.
Mr. Hendrickson acknowledged, that “It’s all in regards to the clients, no clients, no workers. This milestone is a testomony to the arduous work and fervour of our staff and the unwavering assist of our company. We’re excited to proceed providing distinctive experiences for a lot of extra years to return. We’ve got been very lucky to have actually good individuals working right here.”
Serenity at Coconut Bay
Christopher Chin, the Resort Supervisor of Serenity at Coconut Bay, talked in regards to the resort’s journey. He additionally shared thrilling information about its future. Chin has been a part of Coconut Bay since 2010. He mentioned his private progress with the resort, which led to his management function at Serenity.
“I can let you know the dream got here to fruition, and I’m a real Coconut Bay success story!” He introduced a $80 million growth of Serenity set to interrupt floor in September 2025 and highlighted the continuing $24 million renovation of all 250 rooms at Coconut Bay, a challenge that started final 12 months and can proceed via 2026. “
Everlasting Secretary within the Ministry of Tourism, Donalyn Vittet, described the resort as a “shining instance of hospitality.”
“Past the accolades and world-class choices, what actually elevates Coconut Bay within the tourism sector is its unwavering dedication to its individuals and its neighborhood. The resort has invested closely within the skilled improvement of its workers, providing scholarships, tuition reimbursements, and specialised coaching packages in collaboration with establishments such because the College of the West Indies and the Nationwide Analysis and Growth Basis (NRDF). With nearly all of its management staff rising via the ranks from entry-level positions, Coconut Bay has fostered a tradition of progress and empowerment, making certain that its success is shared with those that contribute to it every day,” Vittet acknowledged.
Esteemed Dignitaries
The occasion was attended by an esteemed group of dignitaries, together with Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony, Former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Parliamentary Consultant for Vieux Fort South; Hon. Allen Chastanet, Former Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Parliamentary Consultant for Micoud South; Performing Prime Minister, Hon. Shawn Edward; Mr. Mark Adams, President and CEO of Coconut Bay Seashore Resort & Spa; Mr. Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson, Chairman of Coconut Bay Seashore Resort & Spa; Ms. Donalyn Vittae, Everlasting Secretary, Ministry of Tourism; Louis Lewis, CEO, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority; Thaddeus Antoine, Chairman of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority; and different notable company from Saint Lucia’s hospitality and enterprise sectors.
